Billy Richmond targeting Peach Jam decision, Kentucky a frontrunner

The rankings don’t quite reflect it yet, but 2024 wing Billy Richmond is proving himself as one of the top players in the rising senior class to open the Nike EYBL season. Through eight games in Session I and II, the 6-foot-6 prospect is averaging 16.6 points on 52.2% from the field and 73.1% at the line to go with 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 25.0 minutes per contest.

That scoring output is good for No. 17 overall in all of 17U while leading his NJ Scholars squad — yes, the same one that sent DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw to Kentucky — to a 7-1 start to open grassroots play. He’s been one of the best players on one of the best teams in all of EYBL. Not too shabby.

And the John Calipari connections run deep. Richmond is the son of former Memphis guard Billy Richmond Jr., who played for Coach Cal from 2002-04. 20 years later, the Kentucky head coach has extended a scholarship offer to his son, one that left him speechless at the time.

“When (Calipari) called me, my mouth dropped,” Richmond told KSR in January. “I couldn’t really say anything, just didn’t even know what to say. It was unexpected, but I’m grateful and I’m blessed.”

Fast forward three months, how are things going with the Wildcats? And what other programs is he hearing from? Is a college decision on the horizon? KSR caught up with the four-star prospect for a Q&A session to open the EYBL season. Take a look below.

How does it feel to have Kentucky ramp up interest and extend an offer?

It’s just been a blessing, you feel me? We talk week to week, they just check up on me to see how I’m doing. It’s always been a blessing. I’ve got a lot of respect for Cal.

Did you have a relationship with John Calipari when you were growing up?

No, I was like a little baby (when his dad played for Calipari) so I didn’t really know him. I just knew of him back in the day.

When did Coach Cal enter the picture with you? What was that like?

Like last year at the EYBL session I met him in Florida, and we just talked. Me, him, and Chin (Coleman) we all just talked.

How did Calipari find out about you as a player?

Real recognizes real, you know? He just saw me and I just put on a show for him. That’s about it.

What has your family’s relationship with Calipari been like over the years?

Yeah, Cal was always cool with my mom. He used to check on her and see how she was doing, see how my dad was doing. He’s just always been in the picture, always checking up on everybody.

What did your dad learn from Coach Cal playing for him back in the day at Memphis? And what does he say about him now?

Yeah, Cal is a great dude. He taught my dad what you’ve got to do to become more of a man, be more mature, become more of a man.

What is Calipari’s pitch to you?

He just likes my game. I’ve got a fast twitch. I just read the play, and just go off instinct. I’m always aggressive on the floor.

What is the connection between the NJ Scholars and Kentucky right now?

It’s a good connection because you’ve got DJ (Wagner) and Aaron (Bradshaw). They’re trying to recruit me to come over there. You know, (the) Camden (connection). They tell me to come to Kentucky.

What do you know about Kentucky basketball? What is the first thing you think of when that program is brought up?

With Big Blue Nation, I think about the fans. It’s always been known as a basketball school. It’s a great school academically and sports-wise. They have a great coaching staff, and great players like DJ. If they don’t make it to the league they always have something to do. They come back to the school and I really like that.

You’re from Memphis. What do you like about the Tigers? Do you hear from them?

Yeah, especially the fans. They want me to come to Memphis really bad. But I like Memphis, Memphis is cool. I took an unofficial there probably like in March. I had a great time.

How often do you get back to Memphis?

From time to time when I’m on break I go back to Memphis, spend time with my family, and work out. That’s about it. I’ve got family in Memphis. I’ve got family in New Jersey.

What other schools have you heard from?

I’ve heard from Miami, Purdue, California, Loyola, a couple more.

You said before you’d like to make a decision during the EYBL season. Where do things stand with that?

I don’t really have a specific date, but it’s probably going to be Peach Jam or right after Peach Jam.

Do you have any visits plan? Who would you like to see?

Most definitely Kentucky. I’d like to take an official to Memphis, Louisville, Seton Hall, and Kansas State. I like them a lot too.

What is your relationship like with Kenny Payne and the Louisville program?

He’s a cool dude. He says I need to work on my jump shot more. Says to always be aggressive, keep playing my game. Louisville, I think it’s a great school, they keep getting more and more players. They are getting back to their groove. It was kind of a down season, but I think they’ve got it (moving forward).

How is Kentucky selling itself to you? How does Calipari see you fitting there?

I just fit, I just fit there. He said they are always in attack mode. He said when I get there if I can’t get by my defender then you’re not gonna play.

Do you have a player comparison at Kentucky? Who do you like among former Wildcats?

I wouldn’t say compare, but I like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Immanuel Quickley, and Ashton Hagans. Guards like that.